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on the spot
/ɒn ðə spɒt/
immediately
The manager decided to hire the candidate on the spot.
The manager made an immediate hiring decision.
informal
Immediately or without delay
The chef prepared the dish on the spot when the customer requested it.
The chef made the dish immediately upon request.
Often used in contexts where quick decisions or actions are taken.
literal
In the exact location where something happens
The police arrested the suspect on the spot.
The police arrested the suspect at the exact location of the crime.
This literal meaning is less common than the idiomatic one.
Collocations
hire on the spotto hire someone immediatelydecide on the spotto make a decision immediately
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'on the spot' to describe immediate actions or decisions in informal contexts.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Ensure the context supports the idiomatic meaning of 'immediately' rather than the literal location.
Word Origin
The phrase likely originates from the idea of being in the exact place where something happens, extending to mean 'immediately' in the 19th century.
Usage Notes
The phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to describe quick decisions or actions. The literal meaning is less frequent.
Word Breakdown
on
in or at
prepositionthe
definite article
articlespot
exact location or position
nounEnglish Dictionary